Pediatric Sinusitis: A Literature Review with Emphasis on the Role of Allergy

Abstract

Evaluation and treatment of pediatric sinusitis is a challenging area that has been subject to many different opinions and options during the past decade. Sinusitis is among the most commonly encountered diseases of childhood and has been the major area of interest for many otolaryngologists, allergists, and pediatricians. We have searched the medical literature to review the many aspects of the problem and the opinions of various authors. The increasing importance of allergic diseases and their relationship to sinus disease have been evaluated through a review of relevant literature. The poorly understood variations of the presentation of sinusitis and its signs and symptoms in the pediatric age group have been reviewed. Recommendations concerning the method, duration, and timing of the therapeutic intervention or interventions are summarized. The natural course of pediatric sinusitis in association with related respiratory tract diseases is discussed. Allergies and viral upper respiratory infections are among the most common predisposing factors of sinus disease. Every child with sinusitis is a candidate for an allergy evaluation.

Long‐term improvements in quality‐of‐life after surgical therapy for pediatric sinonasal disease

“…It is well known that allergic disease and bacterial infection are the main etiologic factors that precipitate chronic or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis in children, and medical management targets these two entities. 19,20 One possibility for the small improvement in the allergy symptom domain is the presence of a subclinical immunodeficiency in children with predominant allergy-triggered rhinosinusitis. 21 Another possibility is that surgical therapy does not alter the allergic health status of children, and therefore symptomatic improvement is not observed with intervention.…”